In a significant shift within the Moroccan industrial landscape, the national competition authority gave its blessing in April 2026 for Cap Holding to acquire a 68% stake in Forafic Agro Holdings Limited. This entity was a key subsidiary of Forafic Global, where Yariv Elbaz previously held the position of majority shareholder. By relinquishing control of this prominent industrial asset to Chakib Alj, the entrepreneur is signaling a major strategic pivot.
A transition to strategic technologies
Having established his initial reputation in the world of finance, Yariv Elbaz is now steering his professional trajectory toward highly specialized and strategic sectors. His current focus has moved away from traditional milling and toward the frontiers of artificial intelligence, drone technology, and air defense systems. This move highlights a calculated transition from agro-industrial operations to the tech-driven security and intelligence markets.
Influence at the crossroads of diplomacy
Yariv Elbaz has long been recognized as a central figure in the intricate relations connecting Morocco, Israel, and the United States. His influence operates at the intersection of economic interests and high-level diplomacy. While maintaining a discreet profile, he has successfully built a network that spans multiple continents, leveraging his business ventures to strengthen international ties.
- Strategic Reorientation: Moving from the food industry to advanced defense tech.
- Key Transaction: Sale of 68% of Forafic‘s agro-industrial branch to Cap Holding.
- Regional Impact: Reinforcing his role in the Morocco–Israel–USA diplomatic triangle.
The rise of Yariv Elbaz reflects the journey of an entrepreneur who continuously adapts to global shifts. As he moves further into the realms of AI and defense, his impact on the African economy today and West Africa news cycles remains substantial, even as he leaves behind the flour mills that once defined his Moroccan footprint. This evolution underscores a broader trend in African politics where business leaders are increasingly involved in sectors vital to national sovereignty and technological advancement.
